Detectives from a major crime unit are appealing for information to help solve the murder of a 17-year-old girl on the 60th anniversary of her disappearance and murder.

Anne Noblett, 17, was discovered dead in woodland near Whitwell on January 31, 1958 by dog walkers, 32 days after she went missing on December 30, 1957.

The 60th anniversary appeal is the latest in a series since the murder took place but so far Anne's killer has never been caught.

Her family have been made aware of the new appeal and still remain desperate to find out the events that led to her death.

Mick Flavin, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Investigation Review Team said: "Today, six decades later, we are appealing for anyone who may have information but may not have felt that they could come to police earlier to please get in touch.

"You may be able to give Anne's family some answers about her untimely death.

"It's still not too late to contact us and share what you know no matter how irrelevant it may seem.

"If you have any concerns in relation to coming forward then please be reassured that our specialist officers will provide you with support."

The crime scene where Anne Noblett was discovered murdered in Whitwell a month after she disappeared while coming home from a dance class on December 30, 1957

Anne disappeared while returning home to Marhsalls Heath Lane in Wheathampsted, after attending a dance class with friends in Harpenden.

She had taken a bus home and got off at Cherry Tree Corner - it was the last time she was seen alive.

Police believe that within hours of her disappearance Anne was strangled to death and her body was later kept in cold storage for some time before being moved to the dense woodland in Rose Grove Woods, also known as Young's Wood in Horn Hill, Whitwell.

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Police believe her body was kept in cold storage because of its condition when she was found in 1958.

Despite the efforts of the Hertfordshire Constabulary, support by senior detectives from Scotland Yard, as well as searches involving hundreds of police officers, police dogs, military, and members of the public, her killer was never found.

A number of people were questioned by police officers but no charges were ever bought.

Mr Flavin added: “An unsolved murder is never closed and these cases are regularly reviewed to identify any new lines of enquiry that could be explored.

“Over the years we have kept in touch with Anne’s younger brother Hugh, who is understandably still deeply affected by her death.

“While we have considered the possibility that Anne’s killer may have since died, we are committed to answering the family’s questions about her death.”

Can you help solve her murder? Get in touch with Herts police on 101

Hugh said: “Anne was a much loved, gentle and caring sister and no day passes without me thinking of her and the tragic circumstances and mystery surrounding her death.

“As the 60 anniversary of her murder approaches, Paddy Gallagher and Mick Flavin from the Investigation Review Team have offered tremendous support and sensitivity in their communications with me.

“I appeal to anyone who may know anything, however insignificant, to come forward. Although nothing can bring back Anne, that information may help me finally find some closure.”